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VALKYIE


Today I was destined to experience a rough day which would fill my heart with the touch of mystery. You see, I work as a researcher gathering assorted information about past civilization for people to use for what ever reason they have need of it. I had a very rough day with a lot of angry people you see, and it was pretty late by the time I got off from work.
After locking up my office, I headed down the hall and to the elevator. Boy, my feet hurt and I still had a ten block walk to my apartment across the park. Really, I shouldn’t complain, after all, the way the lights light up the park is quite beautiful, a feeling you don’t get during the day. Finally, the doors opened and I could step off to the great old wonders of the city. I made my way past Bob, our security guard, with a hand high, I waved “good-bye.”
I stepped out the front doors, took in a deep breath, and screamed at the top of my lungs. This was a ritual I performed quite regularly. This outburst always served to provide me with relief, especially when everyone looked to see who was yelling. I would smile and say, “It’s alright, I’m O.K., just another bad day, that’s all.” With that, I would cross the street and head towards the park stopping long enough for a couple of hot dogs.
Man, these hot dogs are good, even ‘Glimpse,’ the orange and gray stray cat I would visit on my way home would agree with me. Each night around the fountain in the center of the park we would meet. Glimpse lived in a burrow, under a bush, next to the bench, in front of the fountains form. I called him ‘Glimpse’ because he didn’t visit, but for a moment, just long enough for dinner. Normally he would be sitting on the bench waiting for me. This evening he was not.
By the time I reached our meeting spot the moon was high and the stars were bright. The first thing I noticed was no Glimpse, not a problem, probably sleeping in his den like he sometimes does. I sat down and started to hum a tune while placing half a hot dog bun down on the ground. I waited, watching for those friendly green eyes to appear, but nothing was to be seen. “I hope nothing happened to my little friend.”
I really don’t have many friends and sitting here at the park late at night with Glimpse is very lovely. We like to stare at the fountain because it represents a valkyrie, a mythical woman of renowned beauty descending from the heavens to do the Gods biding. I never believed in the legends behind the stories about the valkyries or their myths. Still the statue was wonderful to look at.
Water spouted forth around the stone fountain and in the center stood this tall woman clad in partial plate armor, long wavy hair flowed down her back, past a belt with a scabbard. Sculptured perfectly with a round face, eyes wide open, and a stern smile upon her lips. Armed with sword in hand held high pointing towards the sky. The blade sharp on both sides by appearance. Sometimes a whisper could be heard through out the nights air for those close enough to hear. Truly a sight, even for someone who doesn’t believe.
While sitting on the bench letting my thoughts run away with me and waiting for Glimpse, I saw a fire in the sky. It appeared to be a bright meteor or even a falling star. It was heading in my direction in an even decent. I felt at first, that maybe I was blessed until the fiery ball approached closer. Then I saw, “Oh my!” That was no falling star or bright meteor….. It was Glimpse on fire! I was shocked senseless, could not move, and frozen in place by the horror of the sight. Glimpse landed and rolled, flaming on the ground mewling in agony. Tears rolled out of my eyes as I began to place my hands to my face. Then I heard the sound of laughter, I thought.
I didn’t have time for another thought, for a belt wrapped itself around my neck and jerked my head up. My gaze met his as he smiled with an evil gleam in his eye. His hair multi-colored, stuck straight up, and shaved on the sides. Metal hung from his ears, lips, and eyes with three rings in the nose. I was choking, every attempt an internal struggle.
Three more assailants came around from the sides, each with a knife. “Money,” they demanded, “or your life.” After seeing what happened to Glimpse, I knew I was dead if I didn’t agree, but I couldn’t comply, I didn’t have enough to satisfy them. “Here, take it all, please, I beg you, spare my life,” I pleaded. One peered into what I had given him and demanded more. No more had I to give so the one behind me pulled the belt tighter. I felt a few hits in the ribs and one or two to my chin. They just laughed.
I was in pain, my side and face hurt with a fiery burning I had never before felt. In my mind I screamed out. Feeling the end coming I took one more look at those who would do this to me. Then, I saw the valkyrie statue. I begged for her to be real, no, prayed for it, by all the mythical gods, to make her real. One of those blades had been stabbed into me, and on the ground, face first, they threw me. As they began kicking me the world spun dizzyingly.
I was losing my sight when I saw a light brighter than any spot light ever shone. One of the feet on my back lifted and with a thud he fell. He lay dead, blood gushing from a deep cut. I heard a few yells as I managed to get turned over. “Oh my lord,” she was there like an angel with a lethal sword.
She swung her blade with such precision and expertise. Knocking one with her shield. All three were cut down in moments with none left alive, but me. I felt I had died or maybe even dreaming a bad dream. It was real alright, for I was still in pain. There was no stone statue, only a flesh and blood woman. I tried to stand, but threw up instead. She lifted me up to the bench, sat me there, and with a look began waving her hands and speaking some strange words.
To me the words were musical and this angel, no valkyrie danced oh, so beautifully. I felt that I was in heaven, my wounds were healed up before my eyes. I could not speak, nor could I stop watching. My only impulse was to reach out and touch her. She did not flinch or move, but just continued with her ritual. Her skin was smooth and her hair very fair. The story had come true.
Afterwards I tried to speak, but she would not allow me to. So we just stood there facing each other for several minutes, observing every move and feature. Finally she said, “I am Verona, Valkyrie of Vahalla, sent to protect. I have served my duties and must return, for I have no place here. Gaze upon my statue for I am devoted to protecting those in need.” With that she stepped back into the water, raised her arm and became stone. I got on my knees and prayed, thanking her for her deed.
After awhile, I collected my composure and went to Glimpse. He was neither dead nor on fire. He was meowing and tired. I picked him up and tucked him under my arm then turned for one more look. Truly she was perfect and not at all a myth. With a bow of my head I turned and headed for home. Glimpse would live with me and be safe.
Years later, I still came to visit my Valkyrie who had saved my life. I brought her flowers every day. Even Glimpse had something to say. In my heart the woman I never would have, but only could see will remain. I would spend my dying year gazing and remembering the brief encounter we had.
I will always trust in my protector and friend, the Valkyrie within.